Thanks again

@Nick ******

. After reading a few other streams that you are on, it seems like I am earlier in my process than you (I still have a few months.) I’m now doing the research on health insurances. Was wondering if you went with one of the listed Thai options or an international option of your own? From what I understand from the Thai consulate, there is a choice to go outside of that list of Thai options to an international company as long as they fill out the foreign certificate. Is that what your research found? Thanks again for paying it forward. There is definitely a learning curve to the ever-changing bureaucracies. 

@Nick ******

One more question I forgot to ask. Did the bank ask you if you had a long-term lease, or did it not matter for their purposes of opening? 

@Nick ******

This is so helpful. Thank you! May I ask, are you also on a non-immigrant OA?

I heard the same as you from my friends that live there- Bangkok Bank ‘used’ to be the easiest, but in the last few months, they’ve created internal changes to banking policy that often don’t work hand-in-hand with immigration. So, it is my understanding that other banks are better suited for retirees at this juncture. Thanks for the heads up!

Thanks! I’ll plan to hop around a bit

Hello everyone, I had some follow up questions that go along the lines of what this gentleman is asking.

If I get an OA visa from outside the country, I understand there is no long-term rental requirement for approval. However, once I am approved for the OA and enter the country, when I open a bank account, will they require me to provide a long-term lease agreement in order to open the account, or will the visa I have be enough?

Separately, if I renew my OA at the end of the year, will I be required to simply ‘list’ my current residence at that time, or will I need to show a long-term rental agreement? I want to travel the country for a bit and not sure I want to commit to a long-term rental initially. Was just curious if there was a point when I would have to provide a rental agreement with regard to the OA? Thanks in advance. 

At any rate, thanks for your thoughts

That’s exactly what I thought. The problem is I’m still in the US and no one seems to pick up by phone. So I’ve been sending a message to the regular LTR email. They do respond quickly but it’s always a one sentence general message that says ny application is with the relevant agencies and I must wait for an update in the system. I’m wondering if I should set up a zoom call with the gentleman who advised me initially?

Thanks Marty. Do you recall how long the whole process took for your approval? Also, any advice on resources for expat health insurance? I’m starting to look at that as well.

@Todd ********

Excellent, thank you

@Todd ********

Thanks! That makes things much easier. I’m just getting started on this board. Has there been any consensus for finding good comprehensive insurance once you arrived to Thailand? From the few friends I have on LTR I’ve heard a mixed bag.